• Global War on Terror

    Operation Enduring Freedom Watch: An E-mail From Afghanistan

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    Hugh Hewitt: An E-mail From Afghanistan

    Hugh, Our son, Boots Dunlap, is a Capt. in the 1-32 Inf Battalion
    (nicknamed Chosin Bn.). We just got this letter to soldiers’ families
    from the Battalion Commander. These men and women are doing a great job
    and spilling their blood for us at home. I hope American appreciate
    their sacrifice.
    Charlie Dunlap

    Dear Chosin Family,

    As you all make your way back from summer vacations and travels, I
    thought I would welcome you back with some great information about your
    loved ones’ exploits over here in Operation Enduring Freedom.

    It has been a long, hot summer here in AOR Chosin, but things are
    going very well. As you know, we have perhaps the most challenging
    area of responsibility in the division; the mountains are very high and
    very steep, the roads and the towns are very undeveloped, and the enemy
    is fighting hard to hold onto his most cherished safe haven. It is a
    tough fight. To win, we have to defend the population from the enemy’s
    intimidation, and we have to hunt the enemy in his hiding places and
    homes. This is not easy: our soldiers, unlike in other theaters, have
    to live among the people we protect. Our soldiers have to spend
    enormous amounts of time in the field, living daily without the
    creature comforts most people consider necessities – running water,
    phones, hot meals, beds. Most of all, our soldiers have to spend
    enormous amounts of time in contact with the enemy, crowding him out of
    his normal stomping grounds and cornering him in places we can destroy
    him. And we are succeeding at this every day. This battalion has
    beaten more enemy in more places in six months than most brigades do in
    a whole year. We have forced the enemy out of his sanctuaries and we
    have run him out of his towns and we have closed off his escape routes.

    Most of all, we have separated the enemy from the people. Every day,
    we fight to convince the people of Afghanistan that their best future
    lies with us and with the Government of Afghanistan. We have built
    roads and bridges and clinics and schools. We have conducted medical
    visits that have treated thousands and thousands of people. We have
    handed out eyeglasses and bookbags and more pens than we can count. We
    have built hydroelectric plants, we have trained policemen, we have
    conducted classes on governance. We have spoken at schools, started
    sports clubs, and spent countless hours on street corners teaching kids
    to do high-fives. We have saved drowned children and cared for kids
    who have fallen out of trees and have worked feverishly to save the
    lives of people hurt in accidents or wounded by the enemy. We have
    created an incredible sense of goodwill toward us and toward the
    Government of Afghanistan in this part of the world. When a 1-32
    patrol comes by, people gather from all around to greet us and to
    interact. As we roll up in HMMWVs, we can see children running
    -sprinting-hundreds of meters across open fields just to wave at us or
    to ask for a Gatorade. It is impossible to visit AOR Chosin and not
    feel the affection of the people toward us. We are creating for them
    the first hope for a good future that they have had in more than thirty
    years.

    All of this is possible first and foremost because we are protecting
    the people. The enemy preys on the local populace remorselessly, and
    intimidates and beats and kills those who don’t go along with them. If
    we are to create hope for these people, the first step is to keep the
    enemy away from them. We can’t roll out, do some good, and then head
    back to our bases, leaving the people to contend with the enemy for the
    rest of the night. If we were to do that, merely accepting our
    goodwill would bring people trouble, and believe me, these poor people
    can’t afford any more trouble than they’ve already got in their lives.
    So, the most important thing we do is stay out among the people and
    protect them. We are there with them – we are out in the rain and the
    sun and the wind, and we are in their villages and on their roads
    keeping the enemy away from them. And they know it. Over time, as the
    people have realized that we are there for them, that we truly are
    committed to our mission, they have come to trust us. They bring us
    food, they bring us “chai,” and -most of all- they bring us information
    about the enemy. By being among them in the good times and the bad, we
    have earned their trust, and given them the confidence to side with us
    against the enemy.

    The enemy sees what we are doing. He knows the people are turning
    against him, and he senses that his time is slipping away. He will
    strike back when he can, and he will strike where he thinks we are
    absent. This is the time for us to press the fight.

    The enemy will not just go away, he will need to be faced down and
    chased away – by your valiant loved ones, who will continue to show the
    people of Afghanistan and of America what it means to fight for right.

    This doesn’t come free. It takes incredible effort to remain as
    committed to the mission as we have. It takes sweat, and some tears,
    and -despite our best efforts-some blood. We have lost many soldiers
    here, fine young men and women whose patriotism and valor is exceeded
    only by the bravery they displayed in Always Placing the Mission First.

    Their efforts and their sacrifice have been in the service of a just
    cause, and an important one. The enemy we fight is not some strange
    group of unknowns in a far-off land; this enemy is the direct enemy of
    the United States, the very groups and their associates who launched
    the attacks of 9/11, 2001. When we fight here, dear members of the
    Chosin Family, we are fighting America’s fight. We are defending the
    way of life we cherish for each of you, and we are carving out the
    future that we want our children to have. We are truly doing the
    Nation’s work in 1-32, and I very deeply believe that our sacrifice
    -even the Ultimate Sacrifice-is not in vain. We are winning.

    But we aren’t there yet. Day in, day out, the soldiers of 1-32
    continue to face and overcome obstacles that would stop any other
    unit. They are led by wonderful sergeants and excellent lieutenants,
    who lead by example and by their own bravery: of the dozens of Purple
    Hearts earned so far in 1-32, the vast majority have been earned by
    Team Leaders and Squad Leaders and Platoon Leaders who put themselves
    in front, who put their own lives on the line, that they might
    accomplish the mission and their men might live. And what men, what
    soldiers!

    They succeed wherever they go and whatever they do, no matter what the
    odds. Your loved ones have earned for themselves a reputation as the
    hardest-fighting battalion in this Division. It is impossible to take
    two steps in this country without hearing tales of the daring and valor
    of the soldiers of 1-32 Infantry. I hope you can understand even a
    small portion of the pride we feel for the job we are doing. Your
    loved ones are writing new pages in our Regiment’s history, our
    Division’s history, and, indeed, in the history of our Army.

    If I sound proud, I am. I have never, in almost twenty years of
    military service, seen a battalion perform this brilliantly, for this
    long, under such harsh conditions. And it is clear where the credit is
    due: to the fine soldiers of this great unit, who daily display the
    finest qualities of military professionalism and American citizenship.

    And the credit is due to our strong families, our rocks, who wait at
    home.

    It is truly the deepest privilege of my life to serve among you all.

    With Respect and Affection,

    Chris Cavoli

    CHOSIN

    1-32 Battalion Commander

    Thank you for your service……

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  • Dentistry

    Dentistry Today Watch: Probiotic Gum

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    Graphic Courtesy of Medgadget

    BASF: Probiotic bacteria revolutionize the fight against caries and body odor

    In a cooperative venture launched in 2002, BASF Future Business GmbH, Ludwigshafen and OrganoBalance GmbH, Berlin identify probiotic cultures for use in innovative personal care and hygiene products. The lactic acid bacteria (lactobacilli) suitable for this purpose are filtered out from OrganoBalance’s extensive collection of cultures and jointly developed to market. Promising applications for probiotic bacteria include the fight against cariogenic microorganisms, prevention of body odor and regeneration of the skin’s protective microbial flora.

    Being responsible for caries, the bacterium Streptococcus mutans persistently colonizes the surface of the teeth, where it converts sugar into aggressive acids that breaks down the enamel. To substantially diminish the risk of caries, it is important to significantly reduce the concentration of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity.

    “With Lactobacillus anti-caries we have found an antagonist which effectively binds to the caries germs and prevents them adhering to the surface of the teeth”, emphasizes Dr. Andreas Reindl, Project Leader at BASF Future Business. The antagonistic cultures make these caries-inducing bacteria clump together into larger agglomerates no longer capable of causing damage and are rinsed out of the oral cavity. “The effectiveness has been demonstrated and the first oral hygiene products containing probiotic lactobacilli are scheduled to appear in 2007”, explains Reindl.

    Chew tooth decay away – the quest for the “Magic Mouthwash” to eliminate dental disease continues.

    We can only hope modern molecular biology has some answers and soon.

    Stay tuned……

    Previous:

    The Dentistry Files


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  • Iran Nuclear Watch

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran to Announce Nuclear “Breakthrough”

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    Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (R) delivers a speech as Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, listens on during a meeting in Tehran. World powers were studying their options after Iran responded to an offer aimed at ending a nuclear crisis, with France insisting future talks would be dependent on Tehran first freezing sensitive atomic work.

    AFP: Iran to announce nuclear ‘breakthrough’

    Iran will soon announce an atomic breakthrough, the semi-official Mehr news agency has reported, a day after the country responded to an offer aimed at resolving a nuclear standoff.

    “This great scientific achievement is the fruit of a long-term research project … It will be formally announced by a top official,” Mehr quoted an informed source as saying Wednesday.

    “The announcement will highlight Iran’s mastery of different areas in nuclear science and will reinforce Iran’s position as a nuclear country,” the report said.

    Amid a fanfare of publicity, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced in April that Iran had successfully enriched uranium to 3.5 percent and mastered the nuclear fuel cycle.

    The United States suspects Iran is using a civilian nuclear programme to secretly develop atomic weapons, but Tehran says it only wants to produce electricity.

    Flap bets Iran announces a more successful enrichment of uranium. When?

    Probably August 31 – the deadline the United Nations Security Council dictated to Iran to halt all uranium enrichment.

    In the meantime, the United States has replied to Iran’s answer to the P-5-Plus-1 of yesterday.

    The United States said on Wednesday that Iran’s response to a package of incentives offered by world powers fell “far short” of what was demanded by a U.N. Security Council resolution.

    In the first U.S. response to Iran’s reply, State Department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos said the United States was consulting closely with other members of the Security Council over what next steps to take following Iran’s response.

    And what will happen next?

    NOTHING

    But, when THE POINT OF NO RETURN is reached the United States WILL take unilateral military action.

    Stay tuned…..

    irannukeaugust21aweb

    Previous:

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Showdown at United Nations Next Week?

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Carrot and Stick?

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Responds to the P-5-Plus-1

    Michael Ramirez on Nuclear Iran and the United Nations

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – “The Iranian People Will Make You Bow and Surrender”

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Blocks United Nations Nuclear Inspections

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – Iran Will Continue Nuclear Program

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Says It Will NOT Halt Uranium Enrichment

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Military Exercises to Test Asymmetrical Warfare Combat Doctrine

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Information Blackout – Police Destroying Satellite Dishes in Tehran

    Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Ready to Impose United Nations Sanctions on Iran Over Uranium Enrichment

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Ready to Discuss Suspension of Uranium Enrichment?

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Cleric Ahmad Khatami Warns Israel of Missile Attack

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Rejects “ILLEGAL International Obligations” of the United Nations Security Council

    The Iran Nuclear Files

    irannukejuly15aweb
    The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.


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  • Election 2008,  Politics,  President 2008,  Rudy Giuliani

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani Leads Iowa Poll

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    Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani arrives for the Hollywood Foreign Press Club installation luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Thursday , Aug. 17, 2006 in Beverly Hills. The HFPA, which holds the Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 15, 2007, presents donations to entertainment-related charities and film schools during the annual luncheon.

    Des Moines Register: Giuliani leads GOP pack in Iowa, survey finds

    Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani leads the field of prospective Republican presidential candidates in Iowa, according to a poll of likely GOP caucus-goers published Tuesday.

    Giuliani received support from 30 percent of Republicans expecting to attend the 2008 caucuses, the survey by Victory Enterprises shows.

    Roughly 29 percent of the 400 likely caucus-goers surveyed by the Davenport-based company said they were undecided about whom they would support, followed by Sen. John McCain of Arizona with 17.3 percent.

    Rudy is on a roll and the campaign is a foot…….

    And do you think Giuliani wants to run against Hillary?

    AFP: Republicans can’t wait to vote against Hillary: Giuliani

    Republicans relish the prospect of Hillary Clinton running for president in 2008, just so they can vote against her, former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani was quoted as saying.

    “Democrats seem to support her as their main candidate for president — she’s way ahead of anybody else — and it seems like Republicans are just waiting for her to be the candidate so they can vote against her,” he said.

    “She definitely creates passions on both sides,” he added.

    “Hillary probably has the distinction of being the best fundraiser for the Democratic Party — and the best fundraiser for the Republican Party,” he said.

    Stay tuned…….

    Previous:

    California Election 2006 Watch: Schwarzenegger Hears Rumbles From the RIGHT?

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Can Rudy Win the Southern GOP?

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Latest Poll – Rudy Beats Hillary in New York

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Giuliani Leads in Gallup Poll

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Wildcard in 2008?

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: On the GOP Fundraising Road

    President 2008 Watch: Rudy Giuliani IS Running

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: America’s Mayor Leading in Gallup 2008 Presidential Poll

    Rudy Giuliani Watch: Fox News Poll Rudy Beats Hillary


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  • Election 2006,  Politics

    Senator Joe Lieberman Watch: Lieberman Certified to Appear on Connecticut Ballot

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    U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., speaks at a rally with hundreds of union workers, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006, in New Haven, Conn. Representatives of about 20 union locals rallied Tuesday in support of Lieberman, even though many prominent Democrats abandoned him after he lost the Democratic primary and launched an independent campaign.

    AP: Lieberman certified to appear on ballot

    U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman has enough voter signatures to secure a spot on the November ballot with a new party, the secretary of the state said Wednesday.

    The certification means that Lieberman, who lost the Democratic primary to a political newcomer, will run for re-election as the candidate of the new Connecticut for Lieberman party.

    Ok, let’s get this PARTY started……..

    Previous:

    Senator Joe Lieberman Watch: More Dirty Politics from the Lamont Left


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  • Iran Nuclear Watch

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Showdown at United Nations Next Week?

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    This Aug. 12, 2006 IKONOS satellite image provided by GeoEye on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006 purports to show the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran. Iran’s unprecedented refusal to allow access to its underground facility at Natanz could seriously hamper U.N. attempts to ensure Tehran is not trying to produce nuclear weapons, and might violate the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, diplomats and U.N. officials told The Associated Press.

    AP: Diplomats pore over Iran nuclear offer

    Iran’s apparent reluctance to suspend uranium enrichment in its counterproposal to a Western nuclear incentives package sets the stage for a showdown at the U.N. Security Council next week — with no certainty the U.S. will win a promise of tough sanctions from its partners.

    Diplomats from Europe, the U.S., Russia and China were poring over the details of Iran’s offer Wednesday, a day after Tehran presented it, and withheld any detailed public comment. But initial comments from Russia and China made clear the United States is likely to face difficulty getting at least those two nations to agree to any tough sanctions against Iran.

    Russia’s Foreign Ministry said it would continue to seek a political, negotiated solution to the dispute with Iran over the nuclear program. China appealed for dialogue, urging “constructive measures” by Iran and patience from the U.S. and its allies.

    The White House has so far held off commenting until it can study the offer. But the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, said Tuesday that Washington was prepared to move forward with sanctions against Tehran if the offer was not positive.

    Time for the United States to take a deep breath, pause and re-evaluate the Iran situation. What has happened in the past few months?

    NOTHING!

    The centrifuges at Natanz continue to enrich uranium and Iran is continuing their nuclear weapons program in secret. There have been many statements, bloviations, and threats from Iran and the West but the fact remains: Iran WILL NOT negotiate their uranium enrichment program.

    Condoleeza Rice, John Bolton and President Bush have given the international community every opportunity to diplomatically handle the Iran nuclear “problem.” There is sufficient “diplomatic cover” to take the next step:

    NOTHING

    Russia and China will NEVER vote meaningful sanctions out of the United Nations Security Council. So, why should the United States bother?

    Why should the United States continue to be the brunt of meaningless criticism week after week when ultimately Israel and the America will “DEAL” militarily with the problem when it reaches a crisis point. The “POINT OF NO RETURN” may be weeks, months or years away. The United States should pull back diplomatic efforts and work on the Iran nuclear program in other ways.

    The United States, first, should VETO any United Nations Security Council Resolution that does NOT call for a HALT in Iranian uranium enrichment. Uranium enrichment is NOT NEGOTIABLE.

    Second, the United States should continue to build up the Missile Defense Agency and deploy an increasing number of ground and sea based interceptor sites in Europe and Asia.

    Third, the United States should impose tough Visa and travel restrictions on Iran, including its students.

    Fourth, the United States should restrict access to American banks and investment opportunities.

    Fifth, Iranian reform groups should be encouraged and supported from within Iran.

    These are just a few ideas…….

    In other words – Walk Softly and Carry the Big Stick.

    President Bush should immediately call off the “Big Dogs” and move onto other pressing issues. His policy so far has yielded “diplomatic cover” and , so, time to checkout and move on.

    Stay tuned…….

    irannukeprotestberlin600web

    Previous:

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Carrot and Stick?

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Responds to the P-5-Plus-1

    Michael Ramirez on Nuclear Iran and the United Nations

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – “The Iranian People Will Make You Bow and Surrender”

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Blocks United Nations Nuclear Inspections

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – Iran Will Continue Nuclear Program

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Says It Will NOT Halt Uranium Enrichment

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Military Exercises to Test Asymmetrical Warfare Combat Doctrine

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Information Blackout – Police Destroying Satellite Dishes in Tehran

    Iran Nuclear Watch: United States Ready to Impose United Nations Sanctions on Iran Over Uranium Enrichment

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Ready to Discuss Suspension of Uranium Enrichment?

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Cleric Ahmad Khatami Warns Israel of Missile Attack

    Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Rejects “ILLEGAL International Obligations” of the United Nations Security Council

    The Iran Nuclear Files

    irannukejuly15aweb
    The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.


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